Melvin Tilley, 79, of East Ridge, Tenn., passed away Saturday, July 21, 2012 at his home.He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Aris Vernell Tilley; sons, Mike Tilley and John (Marilyn) Tilley; grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Colin Tilley, Riann (John) Bilderback; great-grandchildren, Megan Tilley and Ben Bilderback; sisters-in-law, Grace Webb and Ruby Murphy, of Tellico Plains, and Willa Mae McCurley of Canton, Ga.In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hospice of Chattanooga.Memorial services will be held at a later date at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.Arrangements by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, located at the end of Historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.